Georgia Local Expert
Sabrina Wells
“She has an eye for design and is quietly judging your throw pillow collection.”
See full bio
Moving to New Jersey from GA: What the Move Will Actually Cost You
Leaving the South behind for the mid-Atlantic brings more culture shock than most people anticipate. Georgia offers a slower pace, a lower cost of living, and warm weather that stretches well into the fall, while New Jersey counters with dense neighborhoods, a higher price tag, and a proximity to two of the biggest cities on the East Coast. The sweet tea swaps for a bodega coffee, and the sprawling suburban lots shrink down to something far more compact. Our Snappy Scout team (Sabrina & Diane) broke down the costs, logistics, and lifestyle shifts you need to know before loading up the moving truck.
Who's Behind This Guide
Georgia to New Jersey: Miles, Route, and What to Expect
Average distance
900miles
Typical route
I-95 N and I-85 N are the major highways you'd drive to get from Georgia to New Jersey
Popular moving routes (approx. driving distance):
Atlanta, GA → Newark, NJ
~900 miles
Savannah, GA → Jersey City, NJ
~850 miles
Augusta, GA → Trenton, NJ
~850 miles
Columbus, GA → Camden, NJ
~950 miles
Macon, GA → Atlantic City, NJ
~900 miles
Should You Move From Georgia to New Jersey Quiz
Take this 10 question quiz to find out if the move to New Jersey from Georgia is the right call for your lifestyle and preferences.
Progress1 of 10 questions
Question 1 of 10
What kind of weather makes you happiest?
0/10answered
Live score
Collecting your answers and forming an opinion. Answer another question to see the results.
Georgia to New Jersey Moving Cost Overview
Moving 900 miles from Georgia to New Jersey will typically cost between $2,500.00 and $4,000.00 to hire full service movers. See the breakdown below by home size.
Expected Range
$2,500.00–$4,000.00
Expected Time
3–10days
Cost by home size
Studio
$1,150.00
1 Bedroom
$1,700.00
2 Bedrooms
$2,800.00
3 Bedrooms
$4,060.00
4 Bedrooms
$5,820.00
5+ Bedrooms
$6,460.00
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,150.00 | 300 | $3.83 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,700.00 | 450 | $3.78 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,800.00 | 750 | $3.73 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $4,060.00 | 1,100 | $3.69 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $5,820.00 | 1,600 | $3.64 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $6,460.00 | 1,800 | $3.59 |
How we calculated these numbers: We reached out to the owners and operators of more than a dozen nationwide moving companies to figure out how they factor in mileage, weight, volume, timing, origin & termination locations, and approximate home sizes to determine a moving estimate. The results above are what the data nerds at Snappy Scout created based on that info.
Georgia vs New Jersey: Who Really Wins?
Well, it depends. If you're a Beach Bum, Binge Shopper, or Gamer, you'll thrive in your move to New Jersey. But if you're more of a Cowboy, Retired Military, or Retired Snowbird, settling into your new home state may be a bit of a challenge. We scored a variety of different “personalities” on a 10-point scale to show you what to expect from a lifestyle perspective with a relocation from Georgia to New Jersey.
Top 3 winners and losers moving from GA to NJ
Beach Culture
Georgia
5
/10
New Jersey
9.5
/10
Georgia
Giving up
Beaches exist but more laid back than tropical paradise
New Jersey
Gaining
Boardwalks, roller coasters, saltwater taffy, Stone Pony after-sun encores
Recommended NJ cities/areas for Beach Bums
Cape MayAsbury ParkBeach HavenWildwood
Georgia
5
/10
New Jersey
9.5
/10
Shopping
Georgia
5.5
/10
New Jersey
8.5
/10
Georgia
Giving up
Lenox Square, Perimeter Mall, Atlantic Station shopping sprees
New Jersey
Gaining
Paramus has more malls per mile than anywhere
Recommended NJ cities/areas for Binge Shoppers
ParamusShort HillsCherry Hill
Georgia
5.5
/10
New Jersey
8.5
/10
Gaming
Georgia
6
/10
New Jersey
7.5
/10
Georgia
Giving up
DreamHack Atlanta, growing esports scene, tech hub potential
New Jersey
Gaining
Prudential Center esports nights, Yestercades nostalgia, fast gigabit lofts
Recommended NJ cities/areas for Gamers
Georgia
6
/10
New Jersey
7.5
/10
Cowboys
Georgia
4
/10
New Jersey
2
/10
Georgia
Giving up
Some ranches and rodeos exist, but this ain't Texas
New Jersey
Gaining
Cowtown Rodeo thrills, but spurs feel lonely off Turnpike
Recommended NJ cities/areas for Cowboys
PilesgroveAugusta
Georgia
4
/10
New Jersey
2
/10
Military Culture
Georgia
8
/10
New Jersey
6
/10
Georgia
Giving up
Fort Benning, Robins Air Force Base, Fort Stewart nearby
New Jersey
Gaining
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst nearby, beach calm, VA resources
Recommended NJ cities/areas for Retired Militaries
Burlington TownshipToms RiverBrick
Georgia
8
/10
New Jersey
6
/10
Snowbirds
Georgia
6.5
/10
New Jersey
5
/10
Georgia
Giving up
Mild winters, coastal charm, not quite Florida warmth
New Jersey
Gaining
Locals say the "Cape May bubble" keeps that area calm, but winters are colder than Boca Raton
Recommended NJ cities/areas for Retired Snowbirds
Ocean CityToms RiverCape May
Georgia
6.5
/10
New Jersey
5
/10
Local Perspective
What moment, smell, or ritual captures the soul of New Jersey?
The smell of the ocean. The sound of the seagulls down the shore. The train whistles from the local commuter lines.
– Diane Briante
New Jersey Local
Lifestyle differences between living in Georgia and living in New Jersey
GeorgiaNew Jersey
The Food Culture Between Georgia and New Jersey
Eating Like a Local in Georgia
If Brunswick Stew is on the menu, don't hesitate to order it. And if it's got a bit of heat to it even better, but if not they're sure to have a variety of hot sauces available to spice it up.
Sabrina WellsGeorgia Local ExpertEating Like a Local in New Jersey
Every diner has something they're famous for. Order that. Don't order something too fancy. Avoid the red sauce unless you have inside information that it doesn't come from a can. Splurge on those amazing looking cakes or pies. And we judge diners by their fries. If their fries aren't good, we might not be back.
Diane BrianteNew Jersey Local ExpertIs New Jersey a More Rewarding State for Your Tax Return?
Georgia
New Jersey
GeorgiavsNew Jersey
State Income Tax
State Income TaxFlat 5.49% on all income
Progressive 1.4% to 10.75%, top rate over $1M, multiple brackets
Georgia
Flat 5.49% on all income
VS
New Jersey
Progressive 1.4% to 10.75%, top rate over $1M, multiple brackets
Property Taxes
Property TaxesMetro Atlanta higher, rural counties lower, overall moderate statewide
North Jersey suburbs like Bergen and Essex pricier, South Jersey lower, Jersey City abatements
Georgia
Metro Atlanta higher, rural counties lower, overall moderate statewide
VS
New Jersey
North Jersey suburbs like Bergen and Essex pricier, South Jersey lower, Jersey City abatements
How Georgia and New Jersey Compare on Values, Beliefs, & Politics
Georgia
New Jersey
GeorgiavsNew Jersey
People
PeopleSouthern charm personified, warm hospitality with genuine politeness baked in until they get on 285
Direct, fast talking, proudly diverse, neighborhood loyal, bagel and pizza opinions unshakeable
Georgia
Southern charm personified, warm hospitality with genuine politeness baked in until they get on 285
VS
New Jersey
Direct, fast talking, proudly diverse, neighborhood loyal, bagel and pizza opinions unshakeable
Politics
Purple battleground, Atlanta and it's surrounding counties learn strong blue, surrounded by a sea of red
Reliably blue statewide, GOP strength in Ocean Monmouth Sussex, suburban moderates swing
Georgia
Purple battleground, Atlanta and it's surrounding counties learn strong blue, surrounded by a sea of red
VS
New Jersey
Reliably blue statewide, GOP strength in Ocean Monmouth Sussex, suburban moderates swing
Religion
ReligionPredominantly Christian, heavy Baptist influence, Atlanta brings religious diversity
Largely Christian, many Catholics, notable Jewish in Lakewood and Teaneck, growing Hindu Muslim unaffiliated
Georgia
Predominantly Christian, heavy Baptist influence, Atlanta brings religious diversity
VS
New Jersey
Largely Christian, many Catholics, notable Jewish in Lakewood and Teaneck, growing Hindu Muslim unaffiliated
How Climate Shift When You Move to New Jersey from Georgia
SUMMER
Georgia
satan's sauna setting (90s with bonus swamp air)
New Jersey
boardwalk waffle iron (sticky 90s inland, ocean breeze tempers the Shore)
WINTER
Georgia
negotiable flannel season (mountains get actual snow)
New Jersey
puffer coat roulette (High Point bites, Cape May shrugs)
My Favorite Thing About Winter/Spring/Summer/Fall in New Jersey
The first day warm enough to hang out on the beach, the leaves changing in the fall - and the taste of my first Curley fries in Wildwood. The best!
Diane BrianteNew Jersey Local ExpertNext Steps
Learn More About Moving to New Jersey
By now, you're hopefully fully aware that at Snappy Scout, our moving guides aren't like the rest! Now that you've compared the aspects of leaving behind Georgia, take a deeper dive into the specifics of moving to New Jersey. No boring census stats... we promise! Just practical real advice from New Jersey local experts.
Moving toElizabeth
EWR Roar, 13A, Pastéis, And Port Crane Views
Moving toJersey City
A Deep Look At The Only City To Have Two PATH Stops In Its Limits
Moving toNewark
Ironbound Eats, PATH Zips, Branch Brook Park Blooms
